ICP custody options

Options: Maximum ease or maximum control?

To custody your ICP, you have many options, each with different security and usability trade-offs. Choosing your setup is usually where people get most stuck.

Below is a summary of the range of options available to you depending on your comfort level.

<img src="../assets/images/want-max-control-of-keys.png" alt="drawing"/>

• Fig. 1: staking options*

Examples if you prefer to have third party custody your keys. <img src="../assets/images/3rd-party-solutions.png" alt="drawing"/>

• Fig. 2: third party solutions*

Examples if you prefer to have maximum control of your keys. <img src="../assets/images/self-custody-staking-options-2.png" alt="drawing"/>

• Fig. 3: self-custody staking options*

Maximum Ease Option

Use Internet Identity with the NNS frontend dapp.

Traits

• Most convenient. Entirely web-based. No need to download or install anything.
• NNS frontend dapp has all the functionality you need
• This is a very common method
• Ideal for people who want to want the easiest path to control their ICP

Maximum Control Option

Use your `seed phrase` directly with a few options for self-custody tools.

Traits

• This option requires more technical understanding
• You have most control over your ICP.
• This is the *safest* option from a software point of view because you are relying on less software surface area, but it is the *riskiest* from a human point of view in that it puts the risk of your `seed phrase` and `private key` custody on you.
• Ideal for people who want as much control over their ICP as possible